Method of producing salts in globular form



Patented Aug. 22, 1933 UNITED STATES METHOD OF PRODUCING SALTS INGLOBULAR FORM Lloyd r. Nickel], East St. Louis, 111., assignor, by

mesne assignments,

to Monsanto Chemical Company, a Corporation of Delaware No Drawing.Application August 8, 1929 Serial No. 384,501

1 Claim.

This invention relates to the manufacture of salt-like materials inglobular form and it has particular application to the manufacture ofcleaning compositions, such for example as those constituted essentiallyof nitre cake.

The object of the invention is to provide a method of preparing a saltmaterial in a form which will not cake'or tend ',.to form into hardlumps. The invention likewise contemplates an improved cleaning mixture,which is free from undesirable odors and which is capable ofexceptionaly rapid cleansing properties.

Many cleaning compositions which are now commonly employed contain nitrecake or sodi-- um acid sulphate, as an essential ingredient. Granularsalt compositions-such as nitre cake, however, have a tendency to packor form into lumps that are disintegrated only with difllculty. Thischaracteristic is undesirable in that it renders the material diflicultto handle, particularly when it is packed in small containers forhousehold use.

I have found that by forming the material in globules the area ofcontact between individual particles is reduced to a minimum and thetendency to cake is thereby practicaly eliminated. Acording to thisinvention, I have provided a method of making a globular product whichis les expensive than the triturating operation that has been usedheretofore. In practicing my invention I force the molten nitre cakethrough a nozzle which reduces the liquid to a line spray. While in thisconditon, the material is cooled below the melting point before itengages a solid surface. A jet of air may be used advantageously tofacilitate the spraying operation, however, I prefer to operate withoutthe aid of air by bringing two rapidly flowing'streams of molten nitrecake together at an angle of aproximately 90.

In operating according to the latter embodiment I have found that acentrifugal pump supplies the molten nitre cake satisfactorily. Thedischarge end of the pump is connected with a pipe which is providedwith a cap on the end thereof, the cap having formed therein two ventsdrilled at substantially right angle to each other.

The inter-section'of the axes of the vents is at results. Obviously 'achange of heat transfer conditions will change the necessary height ofthe fall. Bufncient time must be afforded in instance, however, for theparticles to assume sub stantielly shape. No has been experienced fromthis source when the particles are discharged upwardly and at an anglepermitting a travel of from 8 to 16 feet through the air beforelighting. It is essential, of course, that the pipe lines be keptsufiiciently hot to prevent the molten nitre cake from freezing. Laggingand a high pressure steam line adjacent the molten nitre cake linefunction satisfactorily, to this end.

For household purposes the odor of commercial nitre cake isobjectionable. Heretofore it has been customary to add a small amount ofa perfume material to overcome this disadvantage. I have found, however,that the acidic nature of the nitre cake renders most perfuming agentsinert. Furthermore, perfumed products'of this nature are not alwaysacceptable. In order to overcome the shortcomings of this priorpractice, as well as to improve the quality of the nitre cake which isto be used for sanitary purposes, I mix a small quantity ofdichlorbenzene or a phenolic body with the molten nitre cake prior tothe spraying operation. Less than one percent of either of thesematerials has been found sum--v cient to remove permanently theobjectionable acrid odors of commercial nitre cake.

when nitre cake is employed for sanitation purposes, I have found thatimproved results are obtained when a small amount of sodium sulphite isadded to the nitre cake, care being exercised to maintain theingredients in a dry state. when such a mixture is applied to a wettedsurface, the acid in the nitre cake reacts with the sodium sulphite toform a quantity of sulphurous acid, which functions as a reducing agentand enhances and accelerates the cleansing action of the material. Theamount of sulphite employed may be varied within wide limits. However, Iprefer that the amount be restricted to a small percentage in order thatthe sulphur dioxide will not be evolved, since its presence in the airis undesirable. Mixtures containing from 2% to 30% of sodium sulphitehave given satisfac ory results.

The sodium sulphite may be added to the globular nitre cake in the formof a powder or it may be made into a globular form and subsequentlymixed with the globular nitre cake. Any other means of incorporation maybe employed.

What is claimed,

The method which comprises at surface.

morn r. mom.

